ONE HEART

Chapter 32 Wedding Bells? Maybe!

Time goes by so fast. It's now a year after they went to Big Sur. Tessa's career has skyrocketed. So has Mariah's. Their relationship has come on leaps and bounds too. They are so comfortable together now. They know one another inside and out. Cassie and Crystal have got so used to their sisters being joined at the hip. One day, Crystal was talking to Tessa at the dining table before they both had to leave for work. Don't you two want to make it official yet? Asked Crystal out of the blue. Make what official? Said, Tessa clueless to the question Crystal was asking. You and Mariah. Don't you want a place of your own yet? It's been a year since you decided to be together said Crystal. How do you know that? Asked Tessa. Have you been marking the days off of your calendar? No silly said Crystal starting to laugh. Cassie and I worked it out the other day. While we were talking about you two. Oh yeah. And why would you two be talking about us? Asked Tessa quizzically. We were just discussing you two getting married someday. And Cassie and I were going to put our names forward, to cater and organize the event.

Well, that would be lovely, if I was going to ask Mariah to marry me. But I'm not! I will definitely consider you and Cassie. Considering Cassie is a good organizer and you're a brilliant baker. You two both picked careers that suited you both, that's for sure said Tessa beaming at her sister. You and Mariah are the same said Crystal. Mariah is definitely the businesswoman. And you are an amazing singer of course. I still can't believe my sister sold out the iconic, Hollywood Bowl two nights on the trot. Well, thank you. But I do now have to go to work. I love you said Tessa as she left, to put her breakfast bowl in the dishwasher. Before she headed for the door. Love you too said Crystal blowing her a kiss from the table. Awe, that was cute of you both said Gwen as she came from around the corner. Were you listening in again? Asked Crystal a little disgruntled. Err well, not exactly said Gwen in her defence just happened to be coming into the room, when I heard you both talking. So instead of interrupting you both, I decided to eves drop instead.

Did Tessa answer your question about them getting married? I couldn't quite hear her. No Mom, they are not planning a wedding yet. A yet is a maybe in my book said her Mom. At least she didn't say no! That is very true said Crystal. Oh, I do have some news though. That sounds exciting said her Mom. What's the news? Cassie and I have decided to find a place together. Her Mom nearly fell off the chair she was sitting on. Let me get this right. You and Cassie are looking for a place to live together? said Gwen a little flabbergasted. Ewe, No Mom. I'm not like Tessa and Cassie is not like Mariah. We're not lesbians. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But Cassie and I like guys. It's just so that we can save some money, living together and running the businesses we have. Also, it will give us a bit more freedom. I can't live under your and dad's roof forever said Crystal. So I am just giving you the heads up, that we are actively looking for places.

Tessa was at work, thinking about all the stuff Crystal had said. About isn't it time she married Mariah? Is it too soon? She asked herself. I mean, I'd ask her in a heartbeat. I'm just not sure, how Mariah is going to react to it all. We can't live with our parents forever, I suppose. It still feels awkward, bumping into Sally in and around town. Especially when Tressa was with Mariah. But like Mariah keeps on saying, they have all moved on now. Mariah has even been brave enough, to ask Neil how Devon is doing in jail. Tessa had all this stuff going on in her head. She knew the one person she had to call, for some advice. Hi Lola! "Tessa" screamed Lola. How are you, my friend? I'm good. How is it in Miami? I can't believe you opened your own restaurant finally said Tessa. I neither said, Lola. I have to pinch myself now and then, just so I know it's real. Mariah and I can't wait to visit sometime said Tessa. I can't wait to see you in person said Lola. It's been way too long since I've seen you in person. 

I know said Tessa sadly. But the upside is, that both our careers have hit new highs. I tell everyone I meet, that if they're in Miami they have to come to your restaurant. That's great said Lola. And I play your music, here in the restaurant all the time. I tell everyone that you are my best friend, as well as being an amazing singer. You had better be doing a concert in Miami soon. So that I can come and see you. You'll be the first to know when that is happening said Tessa. Did you just ring for a chat? asked Lola. Err, well, yes and no said Tessa a little vaguely. I have some things on my mind, and I need to talk about them with my best friend. Is that okay? "Tessa" You know I've always been a good listener said Lola. You can talk to me about anything you want. I know said Tessa. That's why I'm phoning you now. Also because I know today is your day off. Am I stopping you from doing anything? No, of course not said Lola. I've already been to the gym. Wow! Good for you said Tessa. I don't do mornings. It has to be after the work day for me. They both laughed. You and Mariah both like your sleep! Said Lola.